Introduction to Single Board Computer
Introduction to Single Board Computer
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A Single-Board Computer (SBC) is a compact computer built on a single circuit board. It includes
essential components such as:
• Input/Output (I/O) ports – For connecting peripherals like USB devices, displays, and
networks.
Standalone Design – Unlike traditional desktop PCs, SBCs do not require extra expansion slots for
basic functions.
Different Microprocessors – Ranges from low-cost 32-bit or 64-bit ARM processors (for
hobbyists) to powerful ones used in industrial applications.
Compact & Efficient – Some SBCs, like blade servers, work like regular servers but in a smaller
size.
Popular examples of SBCs include Raspberry Pi, BeagleBone, and Arduino (with processing shields).
Raspberry Pi
Introduction
Raspberry Pi is a series of single-board computers developed by the Raspberry Pi Foundation, a UK-
based charity dedicated to making computing education more accessible.
• RAM: 256MB
• RAM: Up to 4GB
Despite these advancements, Raspberry Pi devices remain affordable, typically priced under $100,
with the Pi Zero being the most budget-friendly model at just $5.
• Home automation
• Industrial applications
Features
Raspberry Pi is a cost-effective computer that runs Linux and offers GPIO (General Purpose
Input/Output) pins, enabling users to:
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Raspberry Pi Models
Over the years, several generations of Raspberry Pi have been released, from Pi 1 to Pi 4, and even
the Pi 400. Most generations include a Model A and a Model B, where:
• Model A is a cheaper variant with reduced RAM and fewer ports (USB, Ethernet, etc.).
The Pi Zero series is a smaller and more affordable spinoff of the original Pi 1.
• Pi 1 Model B (2012)
• Pi 1 Model A (2013)
• Pi 1 Model B+ (2014)
• Pi 1 Model A+ (2014)
• Pi 2 Model B (2015)
• Pi Zero (2015)
• Pi 3 Model B (2016)
• Pi Zero W (2017)
• Pi 3 Model B+ (2018)
• Pi 3 Model A+ (2019)
• Pi 4 Model A (2019)
• Pi 4 Model B (2020)
• Pi 400 (2021)
Raspberry Pi Foundation
The Raspberry Pi Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to making computing and digital
creation accessible to people worldwide. It achieves this by offering low-cost, high-performance
computers that help individuals learn programming, solve problems, and explore creative projects.
• Raspberry Jams:
o Open to all ages for learning, sharing ideas, and showcasing projects.
Through these efforts, the Raspberry Pi Foundation aims to ensure that every child has access to
computing education and digital creativity.
The Raspberry Pi operates within the open-source ecosystem, but it is not fully open hardware.
Open-Source Software
• The primary operating system, Raspberry Pi OS, is open source and includes a suite of open-
source software.
• The Raspberry Pi Foundation actively contributes to the Linux kernel and other open-source
projects.
• Many of the foundation’s own software projects are released as open source.
• The Raspberry Pi Foundation generates income from Raspberry Pi sales to fund its
charitable initiatives in computing education.
Here’s a well-formatted comparison of the Raspberry Pi models based on your uploaded chart:
General Specifications
Processor CPU
Model Dimensions SoC RAM Ports GPIO
Core Speed
66 × 56 × 14 700
Pi A+ BCM2835 ARM11 256 MB 1 × USB 2.0 40
mm MHz
Compute 700
67.5 × 30 mm BCM2835 ARM11 512 MB N/A N/A
Module MHz
Key Takeaways
• Pi 4 Model B is the most powerful, supporting 4K video, USB 3.0, and Gigabit Ethernet.
• Pi 3 Model B+ offers dual-band WiFi and PoE (Power over Ethernet) support.
• Pi A+ is the smallest and most power-efficient model but has limited connectivity.
• Compute Module is designed for embedded applications and lacks standard ports.
Here’s a well-structured and formatted specification sheet for the Raspberry Pi 3B+ for better
readability and clarity:
Introduction
These upgrades make the Pi 3B+ a more versatile and powerful choice for various applications,
including IoT, automation, and lightweight computing.
Technical Specifications
Feature Specification
Feature Specification
Feature Specification
Expansion Headers Yes (for PoE HAT, HATs, and other add-ons)
Feature Specification
Thermal Performance Improved heat dissipation with metal heatsink on the SoC
Ethernet 100 Mbps Gigabit Ethernet (300 Mbps over USB 2.0)
Conclusion
The Raspberry Pi 3B+ is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, offering better performance,
improved networking, and PoE support. It is ideal for projects that require faster network speeds,
better wireless connectivity, and USB booting.
Improvements in Raspberry Pi 3B+
The Raspberry Pi 3B+ introduces several significant improvements over its predecessor, enhancing
processing speed, networking capabilities, and thermal management. Below are the key
enhancements:
Faster Processing Speed: The quad-core Cortex-A53 CPU now runs at 1.4GHz, making it more
efficient than the 1.2GHz in the Raspberry Pi 3B.
Three Times Faster Than Pi 2 & 3: Improved performance allows for smoother multitasking and
execution of complex applications.
Metal Shielding for Heat Dissipation: The top side of the SoC is now covered with metal
shielding, acting as a heat sink to manage excessive heat efficiently.
• Supports 802.11ac WiFi, providing better range and performance in challenging wireless
environments.
Upgraded Bluetooth 4.2 with BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy):
• The Ethernet port now supports 300 Mbps, a major upgrade from the 100 Mbps in previous
models.
USB Boot & Network Boot:
• The Pi 3B+ supports booting from USB devices and over the network (PXE boot) without
requiring an SD card.
• Located near the 40-pin GPIO header, this allows the board to receive power via Ethernet
cables instead of a separate power adapter.
PoE Requires a PoE HAT:
• The PoE feature only works if a PoE HAT (Hardware Attached on Top) is used.
Reduces Cable Clutter:
• Ideal for projects where minimizing power cables is essential, such as remote IoT
deployments.
• Ensures backward compatibility with accessories and projects designed for earlier models.
Pin Repositioning for Additional Mounting Space:
• 9 out of the remaining 14 pins are dedicated I/O (they do not have alternative functions).
Onboard Pull-Up Resistors:
• Pins 27 & 28 are dedicated to ID EEPROM, which allows hardware detection and
configuration.
Conclusion
The Raspberry Pi 3B+ is a major improvement over the Pi 3B, especially in terms of processing
power, networking, and power management. These upgrades make it an excellent choice for:
✔ IoT applications
✔ Robotics projects
✔ Media streaming
✔ Smart home automation
✔ Educational purposes
Here’s a pinout diagram and a comparison table for the Raspberry Pi 3B+ to help you understand its
specifications better.
• Power Pins: 5V (pins 2, 4), 3.3V (pins 1, 17), Ground (pins 6, 9, 14, 20, 25, 30, 34, 39).
• SPI: GPIO10 (MOSI), GPIO9 (MISO), GPIO11 (SCLK), GPIO8 (CE0), GPIO7 (CE1).
Power Over
PoE via PoE HAT No PoE No PoE
Ethernet (PoE)
Feature Raspberry Pi 3B+ Raspberry Pi 3B Raspberry Pi 2B
1 x Full-size HDMI, MIPI DSI 1 x Full-size HDMI, MIPI 1 x Full-size HDMI, MIPI
Video Output
Display Port DSI Display Port DSI Display Port
Power Input 5V/2.5A via Micro USB 5V/2.5A via Micro USB 5V/2A via Micro USB
Key Takeaways
Best Performance Yet: The Pi 3B+ is the fastest Raspberry Pi model before Pi 4.
Improved Networking: Dual-band WiFi & Gigabit Ethernet make it ideal for IoT & networking
projects.
Power Efficiency: The metal shielding reduces heat & improves reliability.
PoE Support: Can be powered via Ethernet (PoE HAT required), reducing cable clutter.
Backwards Compatible: Same 40-pin GPIO header, allowing older accessories to work.
Here's a detailed comparison between Raspberry Pi 3B+ and Raspberry Pi 4 Model B to help you
understand their differences.
WiFi Dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz (802.11ac) Dual-band 2.4GHz & 5GHz (802.11ac)
Power Over
Supported (with PoE HAT) Supported (with PoE HAT)
Ethernet (PoE)
Video Output 1 x HDMI (Full HD 1080p) 2 x micro HDMI (4K 60Hz support)
MicroSD Card
Yes Yes
Support
GPIO Header 40-Pin (Same as previous models) 40-Pin (Same as previous models)
Key Differences
Processing Power
• The Pi 4 has LPDDR4 RAM, which is much faster than the LPDDR2 RAM in the Pi 3B+.
• Pi 4 supports 4K resolution with dual micro HDMI ports, making it ideal for media streaming
& desktop use.
• Pi 4 has Bluetooth 5.0, offering better range & speed than the Bluetooth 4.2 on Pi 3B+.
• Pi 4 heats up more due to the powerful processor, so a heat sink or cooling fan is
recommended.
Introduction
The Raspberry Pi 3B+ is a small single-board computer introduced by the Raspberry Pi Foundation on
March 14, 2018. It is an improved version of its predecessor, the Raspberry Pi 3B (introduced in
2016). While both models are similar in terms of functionality and technical specifications, the 3B+
model includes additional features such as USB boot, network boot, and Power over Ethernet
(PoE), which were absent in the earlier version.
This document provides a comprehensive overview of the Raspberry Pi 3B+, including its hardware
specifications, improvements, and key features.
Hardware Specifications
• The CPU is the brain of the Raspberry Pi 3B+, responsible for executing instructions and
performing calculations.
4. USB Ports
• Eliminates the need for an external USB hub when connecting multiple peripherals.
• 3.5mm audio/video composite jack (integrates both audio and video output in a single
connector).
• All power, audio, and video connectors are now placed on one side of the PCB, giving it a
clean layout.
• Supports PoE, allowing the device to receive electrical power through data cables instead of
power cords.
• CSI (Camera Serial Interface) for connecting the Raspberry Pi Camera Module.
• Dual-band WiFi 802.11ac (2.4GHz & 5GHz) for better range and speed.
• Bluetooth 4.2 with BLE support (better power efficiency and security).
• Gigabit Ethernet via USB 2.0 interface, providing 300 Mbps speed (previously 100 Mbps in
the 3B model).
4. PoE Support
• Power over Ethernet (PoE) added for more flexible power options.
• MicroSD slot replaces the SD memory slot, keeping storage compact and efficient.
Gigabit Ethernet (300 Mbps), WiFi 802.11ac (2.4GHz & 5GHz), Bluetooth
Networking
4.2 (BLE)
Audio & Video HDMI, 3.5mm AV jack (stereo audio & composite video)
Conclusion
The Raspberry Pi 3B+ is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, featuring a faster CPU, improved
network performance, and PoE support. It is a reliable and versatile board ideal for a variety of
applications, including IoT, robotics, home automation, and basic computing projects.